BRUCE GARRIOCH, Ottawa Sun

With only eight days until the regular season begins, the Senators sent 16 players packing — including former 67’s winger Corey Cowick — to their AHL affiliate in Binghamton.

They boarded an early flight for Newfoundland where they’ll hold training camp and play three exhibition games against the Hamilton Bulldogs — the Canadiens’ affiliate.

The cuts leave the Senators with 18 forwards, 11 defencemen and three goalies in camp.

“It was important that we send those guys off to get them going,” said Ottawa coach Cory Clouston.

Not all of the players remaining in camp will suit up in the final two pre-season games (a home-and-home set with the Rangers beginning Friday in New York) because the Senators want to ice a team that will pretty much look like the opening-night roster that will face off against the Sabres Oct. 8.

For logistical reasons, some Binghamton-bound players were left behind.

Realistically, Jared Cowen, Bobby Butler, Patrick Wiercioch and David Hale are the only ones pushing for playing time in Ottawa.

“We’re just looking for execution, chemistry and some competitiveness,” said Clouston.

There were no real surprises among the cuts.

Weak camp for Wick

Swiss prospect Roman Wick didn’t show any willingness to get involved physically, so he was sent to the AHL to work on adapting to the North American game.

The club held off on demoting Cody Bass, Ryan Keller and Francis Lessard. They’ll likely join Binghamton next week.